Young adults often want to explore larger issues and the meaning of life. These fiction books present a variety of views and philosophies.

Abdel-Fattah, Randa. Does My Head Look Big In This?Year Eleven at an exclusive prep school in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, would be tough enough, but it is further complicated for Amal when she decides to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time as a badge of her faith--without losing her identity or sense of style.

Crutcher, Chris. Deadline.At the beginning of his senior year, Ben Wolf discovers he has an aggressive form of leukemia. Ben decides to tell no one; he wants his last year of school to be normal. Only, not telling the truth is the same as lying, and it takes Ben almost a year to figure that out. And what a year it is.

Green, John. Looking for Alaska.Sixteen-year-old Miles' first year at Culver Creek Preparatory School in Alabama includes good friends and great pranks, but is defined by the search for answers about life and death after a fatal car crash.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. Leaving Fishers.After joining her new friends in the religious group called Fishers of Men, Dorry finds herself immersed in a cult from which she must struggle to extricate herself.

Korman, Gordon. Jake, Reinvented.Rick becomes friends with the popular new boy, Jake Garrett, football player and host of superlative parties, and in the process discovers the true nature of his schoolmates and uncovers the mystery of Jake's past.

Rue, Nancy N. New Girl In Town.When her family moves from Missouri to Florida, sixteen-year-old Laura Duffy feels as if she will never fit in, but she learns coping skills, self-esteem, and reliance on God after joining a group led by Bayside High School counselor, Mrs. Isaacsen.

Sternberg, Libby. The Case Against My Brother.Teen brothers Carl and Adam Matuski travel to Portland, after their mother's death to live with their uncle. Unfortunately, life in a bigotry-poisoned town is unbearable, and soon Adam is accused of theft.

Wolff, Virginia Euwer. True Believer.Living in the inner city amidst guns and poverty, fifteen-year-old LaVaughn learns from old and new friends, and inspiring mentors, that life is what you make it--an occasion to rise to.